List of British Service Artillery in Use During the Victorian Period

N.B. this list does not include non-service issue artillery i.e that manufactured and sold privately by Armstrong.

Terms

(C) = Common to Naval and Land Services

(L) = Land Service

(N) = Naval Service

The following information has been taken from 'A Handbook of Military Terms' by David Moore. A PFS Publication

Converted Guns
R.M.L. converted guns were converted from smooth boreguns using the Palliser method.
They were
the 64 pr. R.M.L. of 58 cwt. converted from the 32 pr. S.B. of 58 cwt.
the 64 pr. R.M.L. of 71 cwt. converted from the 8-inch Shell gun of 71 cwt.
the 80 pr. R.M.L. 5 tons converted from the 68 pr. of 112 cwt

A gun which is loaded through its muzzle and has a rifled bore. The
first R.M.L.s followed the same lines of construction as for R.B.L.s.
Improvements were made giving extra strength and simplicity to the
construction. The four main classes of construction were :-
Original system (i.e. 9-inch 12 ton Mk I);
Modified system (i.e. 9-inch 12 ton Mk II);
Fraser system (i.e. 10-inch 18 ton Mk I);
R.G.F. system (i.e. 10-inch 18 ton Mk II).
The natures of R.M.L.s introduced were Mountain; Field; Siege & Heavy Field; Garrison and Naval.

Guns successively designated as the 'Armstrong' the 'vent -piece'
and 'B.L. screw guns' using Armstrong's system of construction, in
which coils of wrought iron were built up by shrinking one layer over
the other, adopted in 1859 before the advent of the interrupted screw
'B.L.' guns of later date.They were rifled on the polygroove system.
Natures introduced were:-
Ordnance R.B.L.
7-inch 72 cwt,
7-inch 82 cwt,
40pr. 32 cwt & 35cwt,
20pr. of 16, 15 & 13 cwt.,
12pr. of 8 cwt.
9pr. of 6 cwt.
6pr. of 3 cwt.
A variety of R.B.L. known as a wedge gun saw very brief service. Two natures produced were
the 64 pr. R.B.L. of 61 cwt.
and the 40 pr. R.B.L. of 32 cwt.

A special adaptation of a smooth bore gun where the breech has been
removed and an interupted screw thread breech mechanism insterted.
These guns were designed to be used as flank defence guns in the
caponiers of forts. Only the 32pdr. of 42cwt was converted in this way.

Howitzer

A piece of ordnance which is shorter, lighter and has less metal in it
than its smooth bore equivalent of the same calibre. The term Howitzer
is said to be derived from the German 'haubitze' which means an
explosive shell as distinguished from a solid shot. A howitzer has its
trunnions mounted in the axis of the piece rather than under it.
Howitzers have a chamber for the reception of the charge, either
cylindrical or Gomer shaped. The Dutch were reputed to have introduced
the howitzer and the French subsequently cast them in 1749. In
appearance a howitzer is similar to a gun having the same rings and
mouldings but it is specially adapted for firing shells. Howitzers were
originally introduced for firing shells at low angles and in the smooth
bore era for curved or indirect fire but their use was superseded by
the shell gun. Later howitzers were capable of firing at a high angle
of elevation (30 to 45 degrees ) and low velocity. The ammunition used
with howitzers consists of common and shrapnel shell, case shot and
carcass. Howitzers were to be used for curved or indirect fire with
reduced charges up to 15 degrees of elevation, against earthworks and
concealed masonry and with shrapnel against troops behind parapets.

Rifled howitzers entered service from 1880 onwards and superseded
the mortar in the Palmerston forts. The 8-inch R.M.L. howitzer could
fire at an elevation of 45 degrees.

After the abolition of common shell for field guns there was a need
for artillery that could give greater shell power in the field. The
field howitzer and siege howitzer were produced from 1896. Siege
Howitzers were allocated to the siege train and became practically
their sole armament. Siege howitzers are denominated according to the
size of their bores in inches, field howitzers according to the weight
of their shell. The B.L. Howitzers in the Land Service in 1904 were the
5-inch, 5.4-inch and 6-inch of 25 & 30 cwt.

A gun capable of firing at high angles of elevation and therefore
being used to provide indirect fire against bomb-proofs, originally
designed to be allocated to the siege train. The 8-inch howitzer of
46cwt. was recommended for use in 1872. This was followed by the
6.3-inch of 18 cwt in 1878. It was the first piece, polygrooved, in
which studless projectiles were used with a rotating gas check attached
to the base. Others produced were the :-
6.6-inch 36 cwt. Mk I & II ,
8-inch 46 cwt. R. Mk I
8-inch 70 cwt. Mk I & II.
Some B.L. howitzers were proposed and trials were made with the 6-inch, 7-inch and 8-inch B.L. rifled howitzers.

A large calibre gun (named after the mortar of the chemist because
of its shape) for firing a heavy shell at high angles of elevation (15
to 50 degrees). Mortars are the shortest of all ordnance. In the 1860s,
those used in the British Service were the 8, 10 and 13-inch of iron
and the Coehorn and Royal of brass.
The land service mortar of 13-inches had a range of 2900 yards with a
full service charge of 9 pounds ( the quantity the chamber would hold
when full). Mortars were chiefly used as weapons of bombardment. Some
rifled mortars (on the Palliser system) were tested in 1879 but the
idea was abandoned. By 1898 there were some rifled mortars in use on
the continent.

Breech-Loading (B.L.) Gun. Any gun which could be loaded by opening
part of the breech (or rear) of the barrel. The term B.L. was applied
to those guns in which the charge is applied in bags and the sealing of
gases at the breech is effected by a pad fixed to the face of the
breech screw, in contrast to a Q.F. or R.B.L. The term was generally
applied to the later Rifled Breech Loading gun (R.B.L) after the
rifling was taken for granted. Natures found in the land service for
coast defence up to 1900 are : 4-inch of 25 cwt.
5-inch of 40 cwt.
6-inch of 5 tons.
9.2-inch of 23 tons.
10-inch. of 29 tons.
12-inch of 46 tons.
13.5-inch of 69 tons.
16.25-inch of 111 tons.

A gun that has a quick action breech mechanism and fires a type of
projectile that has the charge fixed to the shell or contained in a
separate brass cartridge case.
Those in use in the Army in the 1880s were the 3 and 6 pounder. Both
Nordenfelt and Hotchkiss guns were used firing the same ammunition. The
6 pounder could be mounted on an elastic mounting or an embrasure
mounting. In 1887 the 4.7-inch Q.F. was introduced into the navy. Its
mounting was a combined pivot and clip racer, called a pivot plate.
Some were mounted on land protected with a 3 inch plate and bullet
proof hood. it was proposed to provide the 6-inch 100 pounder Q.F. with
the same mounting. the 12 pounder Q.F. had a pillar mounting.

Field Gun (piece).

A movable gun on wheels that can be taken out of a fort 'into the
field' to meet an enemy. Those in use with the British service in the
1860s were the
3, 6, 9 and 12 pdr guns and the
12, 24 and 32 pdr. howitzers.

R.M.L.s in service by the 1890s were the
9 pr. of 6 & 8 cwt.;
13 pr. of 8 cwt.
16 pr. of 12 cwt;

Siege guns

Siege Train.

A collection of movable armament for taking out of a fortress to place
in field works as the need arises. They were for direct use against
artillery, against exposed masonry and iron protection and with
shrapnel against troops.They consisted of Light Rifled R.M.L. and
R.B.L. guns and howitzers on travelling carriages and later some on
Hydropneumatic Siege Disappearing Carriages. In 1876 the guns which
formed the siege train of 105 pieces were 55 rifled 64 prs. & 20
rifled 40 prs on travelling carriages with siege limbers together
with 30 rifled 8-inch howitzers on travelling carriages. This was
supplemented by mortars. Men required were 30 per gun, 15 per large
mortar and 9 per small mortar.

Lists of Artillery employed in the British Service during the Victorian period

Rifled Muzzle Loading Guns (R.M.L.s)

Those R.M.L. guns having a calibre of 6.6 inches and upwards are
known by their calibres in inches. Smaller natures ( except the 2.5
inch gun) are named by the weight of their shell.
R.M.L. guns are classified according to the service for which they are destined :-

1) Mountain or Boat guns2.5-inch and 7 prs.

2) Field or Boat9, 13 and 16 prs.

3) Siege or Position25 and 40 prs. and the 6.6.-inch gun
all howitzers.

4) Medium64 pr. guns of 64 cwt; the 7 inch of 90 cwt;
and all the converted R.M.L. guns.

5) Heavy7-inch of 6½ tons to 17.72 inch of 100 tons.

Abbreviations in brackets following the gun designation are as follows
N.S. naval service L.S. land service
C. Common (Land and Naval) L. Long range

2.5 inch guns (jointed) - calibre 2.5 inches 2.5-inch R.M.L. Mk I 400 lbs ( 7 pr. screw gun) Adopted
1879.This consisted of two parts, the breech and the chase. Each
weighed about 200 lbs, a suitable weight for carrying by mule. A
junction nut joined the two.
2.5-inch R.M.L. Mk II (L.S.)
Only thirteen of these guns were made by Armstrong for supply to India. They differ slightly from the Mk I.
7 - pr. R.M.L. guns - calibre 3 inches
7 pr. bronze Mark I 190 lbs. Introduced 1865. Sent to Bhutan.
7 pr. bronze Mark II 200 lbs (N.S.) Named the 'Abyssinian gun'.
7 pr. steel Mark III 150 lbs. (L.S.) Modified from the Mark II. Adopted 1870. There was a special carriage for Gold Coast.
7 pr. steel Mark IV 200 lbs. (N.S.) 1873. A more powerful gun, half as long again in the bore.
9 - pr. R.M.L. guns - calibre 3 inches There were six patterns in the service.
9 pr. 8 cwt. Mark I (L.S.) Adopted 1871 to supersede the Armstrong R.B.L. guns for field
service in Heavy field batteries. It was withdrawn and modified for sea
service.
9 pr. 8 cwt. Mark II (N.S.) Introduced 1873 for the navy.
9 pr. 6 cwt. Mark I (N.S.) A shorter lighter gun. A few were made for experimental trials but
they proved to be too short. Some were issued to the Indian naval
service. In 1873 some were completed for boat guns. Only 45 were issued.
9 pr. 6 cwt Mark II (L.S.) A new design in 1874 for the Horse Artillery. It is longer than the 8 cwt. but fits the same carriage.
9 pr. 6 cwt. Mark III (N.S.) 1879 altered Mark II for naval service. They have a reduced dispart patch. Numbers commence at 1001 to avoid confusion.
9 pr. 6 cwt. Mark IV (N.S.) Similar to MK III with a steel instead of wrought iron jacket and strengthened cascable.
13 pr. R.M.L. gun (L.S.)
13 pr. 8 cwt. Mark I. Calibre 3 inches. 1879. The first were completed as breech loaders. It was subsequently ordered that they be completed as Muzzle Loaders.
13 pr. 8 cwt. Mark II Made entirely of steel.
16 pr. R.M.L. gun ( L.S.)
16 pr. 12 cwt. Mark I . Calibre 3.6 inches. Proposed in 1871 as 3.6 inch of 12 cwt.
Introduced 1870. For use with the heavy field batteries. From this nature upwards R.M.L. guns are generally side sighted.
25 pr. R.M.L. gun (L.S.) 18 cwt. - calibre 4 inches One nature only issued to the land service.
25 pr. 18 cwt. Mark I. Calibre 4 inches. Proposed in 1871 as a gun of position and light siege piece. Adopted 1874.
40 pr. R.M.L. guns (L.S.) 34 & 35 cwt. 1871. Two marks proposed to take the place of the R.B.L. guns of same calibre.
40 pr. 34 cwt. Mark I. Calibre 4.75 inches. Both fit the same carriage and use the same ammunition.
40 pr. 35 cwt. Mark II. Calibre 4.75 inches. 1874. Longer. Thinner breach. Higher velocity. 64 pr. R.M.L. guns.
The first M.L.R. introduced into the service. the heavy gun of its day
it replaced the B.L. wedge gun of about the same weight. The first guns
of this nature were built for breech loaders and intended as wedge
guns. Those issued to the navy were withdrawn as were all wedge guns.
There were three natures.
64 pr. 64 cwt. Mark I (L.S.) Calibre 6.3 inches.
64 pr. 64 cwt. Mark II (L.S.) Calibre 6.3 inches.
64 pr. 64 cwt. Mark III (C.) with steel barrel. 1867. Four different patterns with altered chambers were produced marked A, B, C and D on the face of the muzzle.
6.6-inch R.M.L. gun (L.S.) A modification of the 64 pr. gun of 64 cwt. originally intended to
be a conversion only. Apart from experimental pieces they were made
from new.
6.6-inch 70 cwt. Mark I Intended to be associated with the 6.6 inch R.M.L. howitzer. Used
for the siege train and for movable armament of works. Attempts were
made to fit some to Hydropneumatic siege disappearing carriages in
1877. They were allocated to the siege train. 7-inch R.M.L. guns. Three distinct natures with varieties of pattern in two of them. Internally they are the same except in length of bore.
7-inch of 7 tons - Four marks
7-inch 7 ton Mark I (L.S.) Armstrong or original system. Approved 1865 to replace the 7-inch R.B.L. for land service as a battering gun for coast defence.
7-inch 7 ton Mark II (L.S.) Modified system
7-inch 7 ton Mark III (L.S.) Fraser system 1868. A Tube of steel.
7-inch 7 ton Mark. IV (L.S.) R.G.F. system 1878.
7 inch R.M.L. of 6½ tons
7-inch 6½ ton Mark I (C.) First approved in 1865 for N.S. Many were transferred to land service
7-inch 6½ ton Mark III (C.)
1868 change of construction as with 7 ton Mk III
7 inch 90 cwt. gun
7-inch 90 cwt. Mark I (N.S.) 1874. Requested by the Admiralty to make broadside guns for
unarmoured vessels. Altered from the 6½ ton gun. These guns do
not fire a full charge and differ in muzzle velocity, sighting and
drift from other 7 inch guns.
8-inch R.M.L. guns (C.) There is only one nature but it varies in pattern, one of which
(Mark II) became obsolete.The patterns are the same as for the 7 ton
and 6½ ton guns. The navy used these for vessels that could not
carry the 9-inch.
8-inch 9 tons Mark I (C.)
8-inch 9 tons Mark III (C.) The first 8 inch guns were introduced for naval service in 1866 but
a few were subsequently issued to land service. The 8 inch R.M.L. and
upwards with the Woolwich system of rifling have an increasing twist.
9-inch R.M.L. of 12 tons There are six marks of this gun, the first three following the
patterns as for the 7-inch & 8-inch R.M.L.s but a greater number of
this calibre were made and changes introduced in the method of building
them up. The navy used them as broadside guns, the army as harbour
defence.
9-inch 12 tons Mark I (C.) The Original system. Designed 1865 as a broadside gun for armoured
vessels and for the defence of harbours and sea fronts. 190 were made.
9-inch 12 tons Mark II (C.) The Modified system.
9-inch 12 tons Mark III (C.) The Fraser system.
9-inch 12 ton Mark IV (C.) The R.G.F. system. Adopted in 1869 but the preponderance proved to be too great and so the Mark V was designed.
9-inch 12 ton Mark V (C.) Differs from the IV in the position of the trunnions being placed .375 inch further back. 9-inch 12 ton Mark VI (L.) 1889. A few of the earlier marks of this calibre were converted as
Long Range guns (for firing at angles of up to 35 degrees). The term
Long Range was subsequently discontinued and the guns mounted on their
original carriage with an increased angle of elevation available (10
degrees to 15 degrees)
9-inch 12 ton Mark VIa, VIb, VIc .IV or V The added letters refer to their mountings.
These were the old 9 inch re-rifled, mounted on their old slides,
slightly modified or used as howitzers firing at angles from 30 to 70
degrees on special mountings. They were fitted with new A & B
tubes, the cascables were removed and the trunnions converted to take
guide bars. They were re-vented in the rear position. A bronze bracket
having a clinometer plane cut on it is attached by fixing screws to the
top right side of the breech. Only one each of the VIb and VIc guns
were converted and they differ from the VIa in the nature of guides and
brackets to suit their mountings and in having the clinometer plane cut
on top of the breech.
10-inch R.M.L. of 18 tons (C.) First produced in 1868 as an improvement on the 9-inch It was used
by the navy (H.M.S. Hercules). The army added it to their coast
defences. There are four marks.
10-inch 18 tons Mark I (C.) The Fraser system. 18 guns were made. they correspond to the mark III of the previous heavy natures.
10-inch 18 tons Mark II (C.) The R.G.F. system. This was the first nature to fully embody the R.G.F. system.
10-inch converted to H.A.
10-inch 12 tons Mark III or IV (L.) These consisted of 9 inch Mks I, II & III bored up to 10-inches
and re-rifled. They are identical to the 9 inch Mark VI guns except
they are not furnished with new A & B tubes. The marks III and IV
differ only in the rifling twists.
10.4-inch R.M.L. of 28 tons Mark I (L.) Only two of these guns were made.
To counterbalance muzzle preponderance a bronze counterweight was
attached to the breech by fixing screws. This was subsequently
increased with a second one. The gun is axially vented and has a
removable cascable for slinging.
10.4-inch R.M.L. Only two of these were made as prototypes for the 100-ton guns. They
were both intended for Gibraltar but were emplaced in Puckpool Mortar
battery, Isle of Wight, on Armstrong Protected barbette mountings.
11-inch R.M.L. of 25 tons (C.) The 11-inch was sent for trial against the 12-inch in 1870 and found
to be superior. There are two marks corresponding with the two marks of
10 inch.
11-inch 25 tons Mark I (C.)
Introduced in 1867. Fraser system. Only seven were made.
11-inch 25 tons Mark II (C.) Proposed 1871. A considerable number were made. R.G.F. system. Gun
no. 68 differs in having a forged breech piece. It was a 12-inch
re-tubed.
12-inch R.M.L. of 25 tons (C.) First produced in 1870. There are two marks of this nature. They
differ from the 11-inch guns only in the size of their bore. There is
no difference in external appearance or rifling and they are easily
confused. They were originally employed as naval service turret guns
but some were subsequently mounted as coast defence.
12-inch 25 tons Mark I (C.) Only four were made.
12-inch 25 tons Mark II (C.) Many were made. An additional eight were purchased from the Elswick
Ordnance Company in 1878. These are known only by their Elswick
numbers.
12-inch R.M.L. of 35 tons (L.) First produced in 1871 as the 700 pr. of 11.6 inches calibre
subsequently bored out to 12 inches. There is one mark of this gun.
12-inch 35 tons Mark I (L.) R.G.F. system with a longer bore than the 12-inch 25 ton. The cascable was reduced to a plain button.
12.5-inch R.M.L. of 38 tons (C.) First produced in 1874.
12.5-inch 38 tons Mark I Resembles the 35 ton gun.
12.5-inch 38 tons Mark II Enlarged powder chamber. At least two 12.5-inch RML guns survive on their original carriages at Fort Delimara, Malta.
A few 12.5-inch guns Mark II were made for naval service with different
trunnions. Certain N.S. guns have two elevating bands shrunk on for
holding a bracket underneath the breech for use with a hydraulic
carriage.
16-inch R.M.L. 80 tons. The largest muzzle loading guns produced for the navy. Four were
fitted to H.M.S. Inflexible in 1881. Two were fitted to the Dover
Turret.
17.72-inch R.M.L. 100 tons Four of these were bought from Elswick by the Government in 1878. Two were mounted at Malta and two at Gibraltar.

Rifled Breech Loading Guns (R.B.L.s)

These have successively been designated the 'Armstrong', the
'Vent-Piece' and the B'.L. screw' guns. They were originally designed
by William Armstrong hence their first being known as 'Armstrong' guns.
After the adoption of muzzle loaders these guns became 'Breech Loaders'
as there were no other B.L. guns in service. When other B.L.s were
introduced the name was changed to 'vent-piece' guns but this term was
dropped after the introduction of side closing guns of this category
which had a solid block instead of a vent piece. Finally they were
referred to as Rifled Breech Loading guns to distinguish them from
Breech Loading guns.
All R.B.L. guns were constructed on William Armstrong's system, rifled
on his polygroove system with a uniform twist, the number of grooves
depending on the size of the bore.
The method employed for closing the breech is the vent piece or breech block. which is held in position by the breech screw.

7 - inch guns ( L.S. only) There are two natures of 7 inch.
Ordnance wrought iron R.B.L. gun,
7-inch of 82 cwt. Mark I The heavier one weighing 82 cwt was the first introduced into service a number having been issued in 1861.
7-inch of 72 cwt. Mark I The lighter one was of earlier construction but was not completed
until 1863. It was subsequently decided to add a strengthening coil
over the powder chamber. By this time however about 76 guns of the
lighter nature had been completed. These were afterwards used as 72 cwt
guns for land service. Number 56B of 1862 has been fully restored and
is now mounted and fired by the Portsdown Artillery Volunteers at Fort
Nelson, Fareham, Hants.
40 pr. guns (L.S. only) (O.P. 40 pr.) There are two nature of this ordnance. They correspond in construction to the two natures of 7 inch.
40 pr. 32 cwt. Mark I (O.P. 40 pr.)
40 pr. 35 cwt. Mark II (G. Pattern ) Larger and stronger breech piece. A few of these guns have a trunnion ring made of cast iron.
40 pr. 35 cwt. Side-closing gun. In 1880 it was proposed to covert the 7-inch of 82 cwt and the 40
pr. of 35 cwt to 'side-closing guns'. They were a success but approval
for only a limited number of the 40 pr. guns was given. The alteration
consisted of bringing the vent piece slot to the right side by turning
the trunnion ring to the left. The vent was re-positioned on the right
side instead of through the block.
20 pr. guns There are three natures of this gun. The calibre is 3.75 inches in all. Introduced 1859.
20 pr. 16 cwt. Mark I (L.S.) Light gun of position. It was at first a 25 pr. but the projectile was lightened.
20 pr. 15 cwt. Mark I (S.S.) Broadside gun for sloops.
20 pr. 13 cwt. Mark I (S.S.) Pinnace gun for boat and field marine use.
12 pr. gun. There is one nature of this gun for both land and naval service. Introduced 1858, modified 1863 Calibre 3 inches.
12 pr. 8 cwt. Mark I
9 pr. gun. There is one nature of this gun. The calibre is the same as for the 12 pr. gun.
9 pr. 6 cwt. Mark I This was introduced in 1862 for the horse artillery. The navy also adopted it for a boat and field marine gun.
6 pr. 3 cwt. Introduced 1858. Intended for mountain service but was too heavy. It was used in the colonies and by the navy.

Smooth Bore Breech Loading Gun (S.B.B.L.)

A number of 32 pr. S.B. of 42 cwt. guns were converted to breech
loading by having their breech ends cut off and a breech mechanism
inserted. The bore was then continued through to the breech. They were
then designated as
32 pr. Smooth Bore Breech Loading gun Mk. IThey were intended for the approaches and flanks of permanent works.
All were mounted on the traversing platform no.6 and carriage no. 6 of
iron.
The breech mechanism is of the interrupted screw thread variety with
Elswick cup obturation and an open or projecting carrier of R.G.F.
pattern. They were vented radially. They fired case shot only and were
effective to 500 yards maximum. Seven such guns are mounted at Fort
Nelson and are fired by the Portsdown Artillery Volunteers.

Howitzers

In 1872 the 8-inch howitzer was recommended for service. A number of
these were made in 1873-4, weighing 46 cwt. They were built of wrought
iron and steel and rifled like the 8 inch R.M.L. guns on the "Woolwich"
system with four grooves but with a uniform twist. They were
recommended for use in the siege train in place of the 13-inch mortars.
In 1874 a lighter nature of gun was proposed, a 6.3- inch howitzer
corresponding with the 64 pounder guns. It was to be suitable for the
40 pdr. gun carriage. After trial a gun of 18 cwt was adopted in 1878
with a polygroove system. It was the first piece in which studless
projectiles were used with a rotating gas-check attached to the base.
The 6.3-inch and 8-inch howitzers eventually replaced all the old
smooth bore mortars.

8-inch 46 cwt. Mark I

This was the first rifled howitzer to be introduced into service
from 1872. They were to replace all mortars in the siege train. Its
success lead to the introduction of the :-

6.3-inch Howitzer 18cwt. Mark I

Manufacture commenced in 1874 but none were completed until 1878
when the question of rifling was settled. In 1876 it was recognised
that length was essential to power and as the 8 inch and the 6.3-inch
were exceedingly short two new designs for longer, heavier pieces were
proposed. At the same time the 6.3-inch was exchanged for 6.6-inch to
increase the capacity of the shell. A large number of both these types
were ordered but manufacture was suspended for two years whilst the
decision on rifling was awaited. Experimental pieces were tested at
Shoeburyness but the order for service was not sanctioned until 1880.

6.6-inch 36 cwt. Mark I A supply of this nature was manufactured in 1877 but they were not
completed and rifled until 1880. They differ from the 6.3 inch mainly
in length.
6.6-inch 36 cwt. Mark II steel This differs from the Mark I in material as it was made entirely of
steel. The cascable was a continuation of the A tube unlike the Mark I
in which it was a separate part.
8-inch 46 cwt. R. Mark I This had a preponderance of 2cwt and was 64 inches in length.
The length of the bore was 48 inches. It was built with an A tube
of steel, a b tube of iron and a breech coil with a separate cascable
screw. It was rifled with 4 grooves of a uniform twist of 1 turn in 16
calibres.
8-inch 70 cwt. Mark I and Mark II The weight and external dimensions of these were the same but the
construction of the Mark II differed in that it was made entirely of
steel and the muzzle was strengthened by the addition of a steel B
tube. The cascable was a continuation of the A tube, not a separate
part as with the Mark I.
The Royal Monogram will be found on the 6.3- inch and 8-inch 46 cwt on
the chase instead of the breech. This was necessary due to the fitting
of a clinometer. Gas escapes were provided in all howitzers in the same
manner as M.L. guns, except the 8-inch Mark II and 6.6-inch Mark II;
the channel is visible on the the right-hand top side of the breech.
The hind sights are set vertically in the howitzers because of the
varying drift.

Mortars

Mortars are smooth bore ordnance allocated to the land forts as an
intermediate range weapon. Experiments were carried out in 1853 to
rifle mortars, without much success. They were only capable of being
fired at fixed angles of elevation with a variation of charge with each
range. In 1870 it was considered that it might be possible to rifle
13-inch S.S. mortars on the Palliser system. They proved unsatisfactory
and the idea was abandoned. A mortar battery for thirty 13-inch mortars
was constructed at Puckpool on the Isle of Wight. The forts of the
Portsdown Hill line, Portsmouth has purpose built mortar batteries for
the 13 inch mortar. They were never fitted and some evidence points to
the intention of placing 8 inch howitzers in these positions. A battery
of three mortars can be seen in action at Fort Nelson, manned by the
Portsdown Artillery Volunteers.

13-inch Mortar iron There were four natures of 13-inch S.S and three natures of L.S.
mortars, of Millar and Blomefield pattern introduced into the service.
Some were obsolete by1840.
10-inch mortar iron There were two natures 10-inch of S.S. mortars and three of L.S. mortars introduced into the service.
8-inch mortar iron There were five natures of these in land service.

Breech Loading

The term Breech Loading applies to all guns in which the cartridge
is contained in a cloth bag and the sealing of the breech is achieved
by a device in the breech mechanism.
Many natures of B.L. guns were introduced after the end of Victoria's
reign but there were also some in service in the 1880s and 1890s as
siege pieces and pieces of position. The following is a list of B.L
guns up to 1900 for land use. Those marks introduced purely for naval
use may not be listed.

10-inch B.L. of 26 tons IV and IV* (C) A number were modified for the Mk IV land service mounting designated with the *.

Only four were made to Mk II pattern.
A drawing was sealed for the 10-inch BL Mk V but the gun was never issued to the service .All 10-inch B.L. declared obsolete 1925.
10.4-inch B.L. of 26 tons. This experimental gun was used to test the cupola mounting. Ordered
1879. It was intended to fit them to the Spithead forts. Entered
service as 10-inch of 28 tons.
12-inch B.L Coast Defence gun (Spithead) This gun was fitted to the forts of Spithead, No Mans Land and Horse Sand using a Yoke mounting. Tested in1881.
Mk. 1, 1A - 47 tons, Mk. 6, 7 - 46 tons
12-inch B.L. of 46 tons Mk. VI, VII & VIII Tynemouth (Turret) Approved 1918.
Mk. 8 V (Vickers)
Mk. 8 E (Elswick)
13.5-inch B.L. of 69 tons. Mk IIIf (L) with removable steel trunnion band.

Although it was approved for mounting in some of the larger
fortresses, this was rather heavy for the requirements. It was proposed
to mount this gun on a hydraulic disappearing mounting. One only was
mounted at Plymouth.
15 inch of 100 tons Barbette mounting.

Quick Fire (Q.F.)

The term 'Quick Fire' is applied to a nature of gun which are really
breech loaders, but constitute a different class because they use a
brass cartridge case to seal the breech. They have rapid action breech
mechanisms and a form of Therecoil control that enables the operator to
remain at the gun for rapid fire. A Q.F. gun could also be a howitzer.
The first Q.F. guns were introduced into the Navy to combat torpedo
boats and were employed in coast defences for the same purpose.
The first Q.F. guns to be adopted into the service were the 3 pr.
Q.F.s. for coast defence. The first mountings were pedestal non-recoil
mountings followed by elastic mountings.
The light Q.F. guns were the 3, 6 and 12 prs. for defence against
torpedo-boat attack. These replaced the 1-inch Nordenfelt guns.
The heavy Q.F. guns were the 4-inch to 6-inch.

Ordnance Q.F. 3 pounder Nordenfelt - 4 cwt 1889 - Mk. 1 on carriage, garrison, Q.F. recoil, 3 pr. Mk. 1.
Ordnance Q.F. 3 pounder Hotchkiss gun - 5 cwt 1885 - Mk. 1 on carriage, garrison, Q.F. recoil, 3 pr. Mk. 1.
Mk. 1+ on naval mounting
Mk. 2 on travelling carriage. A small number of both the above guns were fitted to travelling
carriages for use by coast artillery as movable armament for landwards
defence. The 6 pounders came into service at the same time as the 3
pounders, also for coast defence.
Ordnance Q.F. Hotchkiss 6 pounder gun - 8 cwt. 1885 -Mk. I on on carriage, garrison, 6 pr. Hotchkiss, non-recoil Mark I Mk. 2 on carriage, garrison Q.F. recoil, cone Mk.1 & II or Recoil, saddle Mk. I & II
Ordnance Q.F. 6 pounder Nordenfelt gun - 6 cwt. 1885 - Mk. 1 & 2 on carriage, garrison, 6 pr non-recoil Mk. I
Mk. III on carriage, garrison, Q.F. recoil, cone Mk.1 or recoil, saddle Mk. I
12 pounder Q.F. 8 cwt. A naval gun for boat, ship or field. Mk I.
12 pounder Q.F. 12 cwt. Calibre 3-inch. Common to both services. 1894 on pedestal mounting Q.F. Mk. I, II
& III for coast defence. Anti-torpedo boat use. Some were mounted
on travelling carriages as 'Movable Armament for Forts' but the army
turned them down. An anti-aircraft version was produced later.
2.95-inch Q.F. Mountain Gun Its use was limited to some Colonial native batteries. (Note: the biggest user of that gun was the United States Army, with a few transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1904-07, initially for the defense of our Pekin. The American army purchased either 20 or 30 directly from Vickers-Maxim, and built the remainder under license at Watervliet Arsenal near Albany, New York, to a total of 120 guns. They were used in various places, but finally concentrated in the Philippine Islands in 1941. They continued in use throughout the 1941-42 campaign until the surrender there in April and May 1942
12.5 pounder Q.F. Information provided by Nelson)Obtained for service in South Africa and then appropriated for movable armament.
15 pounder Q.F. Field Gun. (Erhardt) 3-inch calibre. Of German origin for South Africa. Introduced 1901.
4-inch Q.F. 42 cwt. Coast Defence on pedestal mounting with heavy pivot and yoke from
which the gun was suspended. First appeared as a naval gun in 1895.
Land version (Mk.3 Naval) introduced in 1906 as Mk.3 Coast Defence Gun
on Carriage Garrison Q.F. Mk1.
4.7-inch Q.F. 41 cwt (Mk IV 42 cwt; Mk V 53 cwt) Originally the Elswick Ordnance Company 40 pounder. Adopted 1887.
Mk. 1 to 4. Central pivot pedestal mounting Mk. I , I*, II, III, IV
with cradle and hydro-spring recoil. First used by the navy and adopted
for coast defence. Mk.3. had a special carriage for high parapets. Mk.
V was on a Mk. V C.P. carriage.
Many attempts were made to fit 4.7-inch Q.F. guns on field carriages as :-
4.7 inch Q.F. Field Gun. Introduced 1900 on R.C.D. carriage. Another version appeared on
Carriage Travelling Q.F. Converted Mk.1 (converted from old 40pr.
R.M.L. carriages)
5.25-inch Q.F. 86 cwt. Turret mounting
5.5-inch Q.F. Armstrong construction. Trials in 1887
6-inch Q.F. of 7 tons. Coast Defence Gun E.O.C. gun on Central pivot pedestal mounting Trials in 1890 of the Elswick 100 pr.gun. The heaviest Q.F. gun in the service.
Mk.1 First gun adopted in British Service using Armstrong's wire wound construction.
Mk.2 Introduced 1891.
Mk.3 Coast Defence 'B' gun Quick Fire Converted

In 1895 another class of Q.F. guns, the Q.F. Converted, (Q.F.C.) were
introduced. They were converted from B.L.guns and consisted of the
6-inch Q.F.C. of 5 tons converted from the 6-inch B.L. Mk III IV &
VI; the 4-inch Q.F.C. of 26 cwt. converted from the 4-inch B.L. Mk IIIA
IV V & VI.